15th Oct 2012, 23:01
Even Toyota officials admit that their quality went to Hell in a hand basket after 2000. Apparently Toyota fans won't even believe TOYOTA!!
In recent tests, several magazines have either not even included some Toyota products in comparison tests, or rated them dead last (such as the antiquated Corolla).
Now the recall total for Toyota has hit over 30 million. That is more cars than Ford has recalled since they built the Model T. And then they wonder why people criticize poor old Toyota...
16th Oct 2012, 00:02
After reading through pages upon pages of these comments/arguments, the only one which has jumped out at me as being absolutely valid, understandable, justified and fully believable was 12th Oct 2012, 08:49.
"You read over and over Toyota actual owners commenting that it's a bland, ordinary and boring car, but it runs good after the recalls. I am sorry, it has zero appeal for me to buy an item with boring as a feature."
That's it. When I'm going to spend my own money on a car, since unlike many people I'm enthusiastic about cars and see them as far more than just 'Point A to Point B' transportation, I want something that is reliable, durable, practical and doesn't spend day after day sitting in the workshop for recalls or repairs. However, I also want a car which is comfortable, entertaining to drive, well styled and, above all, not lacking in character.
So even the most diehard Toyota lovers see Toyota's as being bland, ordinary and boring cars. I appreciate reliability as much as all of them, but a car like this will never have any kind of appeal to me whatsoever. Perhaps that's why there are so many complaints about problems with these Toyota's now? Quality has obviously slipped a little, and perhaps blowing the issue out of proportion somewhat, because Toyota's in general have no other redeeming features, they are being branded as "crap", "garbage" and otherwise, because minor things have gone wrong with them.
If total reliability is the only reason to buy a Toyota, and after buying one you find anything less than that, I wouldn't blame you for hating your own car for that reason.
...but what would I know, I care far too much about cars to ever buy something with 'boring' as a feature.
16th Oct 2012, 15:12
The last commenter cannot see taking out a long term new car loan for a bland, boring vehicle, and then deal with the inordinate amount of recent recalls. Personally I wouldn't even waste the time to wash one.
16th Oct 2012, 20:00
I'd never buy a boring car either. I want cars that get noticed and turn heads.
17th Oct 2012, 10:30
If Jeep had as much massive negative publicity as Toyota has had in the past few years alone, I would scratch them off my list as well. A new Ford or GM mid size would be great.
18th Oct 2012, 13:18
For some reason, Toyota owners seem to be allergic to facts. It's really baffling.
19th Oct 2012, 15:48
I recently did a series of test drives of subcompact cars. My assessment pretty much agrees with the ratings I see in magazines and ratings. My top pick would be the Honda Fit if money was no object. I don't feel it is worth three grand more, however. Second would go to the Chevy Sonic, third to the Ford Fiesta, fourth the Hyundai Accent, and last would fall to the Nissan Versa. I did not test drive the Toyota Yaris, because the client I was helping find a car is afraid of Toyota because of all the recalls.
28th Feb 2014, 18:30
Did you have a noise from the timing chain? My 2007 RAV 4 V6 has a noise just after ignition (3-5 seconds) that we think is the timing chain tensioner not being fully engaged. Did you have a similar problem?
3rd Mar 2014, 12:24
My friend with the Prius cares zero about cars. She looks at gas she saves so that she can buy more shoes. Turn the key and go. That's pretty tough for me, but that's the rationale.
4th Dec 2015, 14:21
I was told on the down low that you need to play the game, take the car in for oil consumption. Go back in 1200 miles. Do the test. The problem is the pistons, but they won't tell you that. Oil consumption is just the tip of the iceberg.
9th Feb 2016, 02:51
It's called quality control. Typical when a company like Toyota has proved their point over the years. Then they get big-headed, and after that quality starts to slip.
I truly don't think "magic" has anything to do with it.
15th Feb 2016, 10:55
Boring and bland isn't for me either. I actually retired and just returned back to work full time 2 months later just to buy some exciting brand new high end cars. And not for some low end beater models. That's the power and appeal of owning nice automobiles. I even canceled my Social Security right before I received my first check 2 months later. The point is many of us do not simply want to point and drive cheap vehicles just to get to A or B. I want to open my garage doors and have something really special to drive and take out. And if it involves a bit of extra work, it's well worth it.
15th Oct 2012, 11:12
If the Toyota comments annoy you, I can only imagine how you would feel if they insulted Jeeps.